Did you know your overall health is dependent upon a healthy digestive tract? A properly functioning digestive system is critical to maintaining health and well-being. The gut tube is the first thing to develop in a fetus within the first six weeks of gestation. It is through the gut tube that the fetus gets all of its nourishment to grow and develop. As adults the same process applies to us. We need to have a healthy digestive system to properly breakdown and absorb nutrients. We also need it to maintain a healthy immune system. Disorders of the GI tract cause more than gas and bloating. Autoimmune diseases, skin problems, diabetes, heart disease, and many more challenging health problems start in an unhealthy gut. If you suffer from chronic health problems or immune disorders it is imperative you heal the gut to heal the rest of you!
In my Functional Medicine health coach training, I was taught a program that directly addresses healing the gut to effect change in the rest of the body as well. This program is called the 5R’s: Remove, Replace, Reinoculate, Repair, and Rebalance. When done correctly, chronic health issues can improve dramatically, and sometimes even completely resolve with diligence and discipline to the healing process.
Here is a brief description of each part of the 5R’s.
- Remove: First it is important to eliminate any stressors in your diet that are negatively affecting the microbiome in your gut. This includes allergens, sugars, preservatives, alcohol, and microbes such as parasites, yeast, or bacteria. The gut is an ecosystem and needs to be brought back into balance to function properly and heal.
- Replace: Food needs to be completely and thoroughly digested so adding digestive into your diet can be extremely helpful. As we get older, our bodies start to produce less digestive enzymes which can compromise digestion. Depending on what foods you have the most trouble with will dictate the best choice of enzymes you need to incorporate on a daily basis.
- Reinoculate: Our GI tract has beneficial bacteria to help maintain healthy gut flora. This is called the microbiome.The best way to reinoculate the GI tract is by taking probiotic supplements and/or eating foods that add helpful bacteria back into the gut. If you have taken antibiotics, chances are your healthy gut bacteria have been compromised. Then, there are prebiotics in the form of various food ingredients that feed the probiotics and help them recolonize.
- Repair: Repairing the gut lining is important. There is a condition known as leaky gut where damage has occurred to the cells lining the intestines causing gaps to occur between the cells, allowing undigested food, bad bacteria, yeast, gluten, and toxins to be absorbed into the blood stream. This is what causes an auto-immune response and stimulates inflammation in the body. Specific nutrients can be incorporated into the diet to help repair the gut lining when needed.
- Rebalance: After healing has been established, it is important to pay attention to diet and lifestyle choices, keeping in mind what created the health problems in the first place. You may need to change your diet or engage in stress reducing activities like meditation. Creating work/life balance is crucial. Adding exercise into your daily routine and getting proper sleep will also help to maintain the balance you need to stay healthy in the gut and in your life.
Many health problems can be traced back to an unhealthy, imbalanced gut. How healthy is your gut? Do you suffer from any digestive problems or food allergies? Perhaps you are dealing with low level inflammation in the body or have developed an autoimmune condition. Maybe you have arthritis and never gave it a thought that it might have its origin in your gut. Whatever the health challenge may be, there is a good chance there is a connection to your gut. Healing your GI tract is a great place to start.
If you want specific support or coaching through the healing process, feel free to reach out to me. I would be happy to assist you and be your guide on your healing journey to better health.
